DOVER — The Children’s Museum of NH launched its Alzheimer’s Café program in October of 2011 and soon began attracting the attention of organizations and individuals seeking to do something similar. People from as far away as Pennsylvania have visited the Museum’s Alzheimer’s Café to learn more about it, and now the Museum is hosting a program to help others get a café started in their community.

On Tuesday, March 10 from 9 am – 1 pm, the Children’s Museum of NH will present The Nuts & Bolts of Starting an Alzheimer’s Café, an interactive workshop that will cover the history and philosophy of the Alzheimer’s Café concept, as well as practical tips and instruction. This workshop is planned for museum, libraries, community leaders, healthcare providers, restaurateurs and anyone else interested in hosting an Alzheimer’s Café. The workshop cost is $25 and includes all materials and lunch.

The Children’s Museum’s Alzheimer’s Café was the first of its kind in the Eastern United States and has garnered many supporters and accolades. The Museum recently won the “Leaders In Innovation” award for this program from the New England Museum Association at its annual conference in Burlington, VT.

“We saw a need in the community and thought The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire would be an ideal place for an Alzheimer’s Café,” explained Paula Rais, the Museum’s Director of Community Engagement. “Intergenerational experiences are beneficial for all ages, and the people who attend the café respond very positively to our surroundings. Some enjoy the opportunity to be around vibrant youngsters, while others just enjoy the colorful, non-clinical setting. We have witnessed new friendships being formed and coping strategies being shared. We could not be more pleased with how the community has responded.”

The Alzheimer’s Café is held at the Children’s Museum in Dover on the third Thursday of each month from 2-4 pm. People living with Alzheimer’s disease are welcomed during this time, along with their family members and care partners, to gather in a supportive, non-clinical setting to chat, relax, enjoy refreshments and socialize. Reservations are not needed and there is no cost to attend, though donations are accepted. Alzheimer’s Café programs are established in a number of European countries and Canada’s first program was launched in Nova Scotia this past February. In the United States, there are now programs open in New Mexico, California, Oregon and Washington. These programs are held in a variety of settings, including theatres, historic buildings and restaurants.

To register for or learn more about the Nuts & Bolts Workshop, please call the Children’s Museum at 603-742-2002 or visit www.childrens-museum.org.

The not-for-profit Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is located at 6 Washington Street in Dover and offers two levels of hands-on, custom-created exhibits for children ages 1-12. For more information, please call the museum at (603) 742-2002 or visit www.childrens-museum.org.